Birdwell Lane Church of Christ - Weekly Thoughts February 2008

Birdwell Lane
Church of Christ
Big Spring, TX

Weekly Thoughts - February 2008

<---- January 2008

March 2008 ---->

03 - DEMONS: A LOOK AT THE DARK SIDE (Pt 3)
10 - JESUS AND DEMONS
17 - DEMONS A LOOK AT THE DARK SIDE - THE SERVANTS OF SATAN
24 - BIRDWELL LANE ON THE MOVE

February 3, 2008
DEMONS: A LOOK AT THE DARK SIDE (Pt 3)

      The first reference to demons in the Bible might be the statement, “They shall no more offer their sacrifices to demons” (Leviticus 17:7; Deuteronomy 32:17). After Israel left Egypt, they became involved in idolatrous practices. “They even sacrificed their sons and their daughters to demons” (Psalm 106:37).
      The evil spirit sent to King Saul was probably a demon (1 Samuel 16:14-16), 23; 18:10; 19:9). This conclusion can be drawn because of the interchangeable usage of demons and evil spirits in the New Testament.
      References to demons (Greek daimonion, translated “devils” in KJV) is minimal outside the life of Jesus. The word “devil” which refers to Satan, translated from diabolos, is not to be confused with demons. Paul mentioned eating things sacrificed to demons (1 Cor. 10:20-21) and teaching of demons (1 Tim. 4:1). James wrote that demons tremble because they believe in one God (James 2:19). John alluded to demons in the book of Revelation (9:20; 16:14; 18:2). Acts, which does use the word “demon,” states that unclean spirits were cast out by Peter (5:16), Phillip (8:7) and Paul (19:12-13) who also cast out the spirit of python from a girl who followed Paul. That spirit is most often translated “spirit of divination” Acts 16:16,18). The seven sons of Sceva were attached by a man from who they were trying to cast out an unclean spirit (Acts 19:15-16).
      Next weeks final article will cover Jesus and Demons. Hope you enjoy...

See ya Sunday,
Ralph

February 10, 2008
JESUS AND DEMONS

      Demons are referred to as unclean spirits (compare the following and observe the interchange usage: Mk. 1:23-27 and Lk. 4:33-36; Mk. 5:1-18 and Lk. 8:26-38) and evil spirits (Lk. 7:21; 8:2). As with the angels (Heb. 1:13-14), they are also spirit beings. They differ from angels in that angels at times took on the form of human beings (Gen. 18:2, 16; 19:1) while demons are never described as taking on physical forms. Beelzebub, or Satan, the ruler of demons (Mt. 12:24), uses them as his messengers or angels (Mt. 25:41; Rev. 12:7) to carry out his work to tempt mankind (1 Peter 5:8) and to teach false teaching (1 Tim. 4:1-2). Perhaps Satan is not able to be all places at one time as is God, which could be indicated by his appearing before God in book of Job. He replied to God that he had been “going to and fro on earth” (Job 1:7). Perhaps many of his activities throughout the world are carried out through demons, his angels (Mt. 25:41).
      Demons seem to have been most active during the ministry of Jesus. Satan and his hosts may have been given certain freedoms during Jesus’ personal ministry so that Jesus could show that He had power over Satan and his servants.
      Jesus’ healing people and casting out demons were reported as two separate things (Mt. 4:24). Some of the people who were demon possessed had physical handicaps. Jesus cast out demons from several individuals:

A man who was in a synagogue (Mk. 1:23-27; Lk. 4:33-36).
A blind and mute man (Mt. 12:22).
Two men possessed by a legion of demons (Mt. 8:28-32; Mk. 5:1-13; Lk. 8:26-33).
A mute man (Mt. 9:32-33).
The daughter of a Syrophoenician woman (Mt. 15:21-28; Mk.7:24-30).
After Jesus’ transfiguration, a man’s son fell into water and foamed at the mouth, ground his teeth, and stiffened (Mt. 17:14-18; MK. 9:14-26).
A woman who was unable to stand upright Lk. 9:1) and to early believers (Mk. 16:17).

QUESTIONS CONCERNING DEMONS THAT ARE NOT EASY TO ANSWER WILL BE FINAL ARTICLE NEXT WEEK.

See ya Sunday,
Ralph

February 17, 2008
DEMONS A LOOK AT THE DARK SIDE - THE SERVANTS OF SATAN

Various questions arise concerning demons that are not easy to answer.
Let’s try:

How many demons does Satan have at his disposal?: Legions of them must exist (Mark 5:9).
What limitations do they have?: They must have their limitations through the protection of God (1 Cor. 10:13), even as God limited Satan’s ability to afflict Job (Job 1:12; 2:6).
What is their range of activities?: At present they are limited to deception, which could include temptation to sin and false teaching (1 Tim. 4:1-2).
How do they work through people?: This is a perplexing question. Satan has those who are his ministers (2 Cor. 11:13-15) who are false teachers. Perhaps Satan influences these teachers through demons (1 Tim. 4:1-2). John mentioned that Christians are to test the spirits because many false teachers are in the world (1 Jn. 4:1). The implication seems to be that false teachers are influenced by the spirits. How they work to influence false teachers is not revealed.
Are they active today?: Demon possession is NOT ongoing today. The power to cast them out ceased with the end of miracles. They are active today in deceiving false teachers (1 Tim. 4:1-2).
Could those possessed with demons cast out the demon within them?: All cases of demons being cast out were accomplished by those who had power to cast them out. The fact that Jesus gave power to cast them out (Mt. 10:1-4; Mk 6:7) would imply that miraculous power was necessary to cast them out. The apostles were given power to cast out demons, which they did.

There are several more questions to try and answer, such as Are demons just sickness or are they real personalities? If physical handicaps were not sicknesses, why were they recognizable as a result of demon possession? Why were they able to recognize Jesus? How do we know that Satan works through demons? What will be the destiny of demons?

See ya Sunday,
Ralph

February 24, 2008
BIRDWELL LANE ON THE MOVE

      What an exciting time to be part of the Birdwell congregation. There is so much for us to be thankful and excited about. Our spring meeting is with Ted Kell is just over a month away. Ted will be encouraging us each evening April 6-9th. He will also be speaking at a 12:00 p.m. Monday - Wednesday. He always does an excellent job of uplifting the congregation.
      June 6-12 the group from Lawton, Ok. will be here for our Back to the Bible campaign. They will be bringing 60 brothers and sisters to help in door knocking and holding studies. Their preacher will be speaking each evening at 7:00 p.m.. There will be twenty-two coming in from San Angelo and 12 so far from the Midland - Odessa area to help in door knocking and studies. We will be providing two meals a day for 100 brothers and sisters who will be working with us to make this a success. A list of areas where you can serve during our campaign will be posted within the next two weeks. Thanks for volunteering ahead of time.
      You are to be commended as a congregation for your interest and participation in our workshop of two weekends ago. What a wonderful turn out we had. So with Bibles marked, excitement high and volunteer's coming on board each day, things are coming together for a very successful week.
      VBS dates are as of yet undecided but we will have that settled Thursday evening. Meet us at the fellowship hall at 14th & Main at 6:00 p.m. as we get date, time, thyme and classes lined out. Your help is needed and will be appreciated.
      You are to be commended for your excitement and your enthusiasm as our work continues to be busy and exciting. What a privilege to be allowed to serve here with you. THANKS.

See ya Sunday,
Ralph

Back to Index